“So it turns out Wei Lang is this unsatisfied?”
Warning: References to sexual acts and sex toys, images that are NSFW . Do not look at the note for 'jade pillar' if shy or at work. (The horse one is fine :D).
The next day after New Year’s Eve, the result of spending a great deal of time strolling around outside instead of returning to rest was Wei Lian getting ill.
Early in the morning, Wei Lian woke up from his blanket nest and sneezed. Today was not looking great already.
Once the Imperial Physician was summoned for diagnosis, it was as he predicted. He was down with a common cold.
With his extremely delicate appearance, it was a miracle that he only caught a common cold after rolling in the snow and being exposed to the elevated chill wind the majority of the night.
This was also within his expectations.
The doctor who diagnosed his illness using his pulse was the same one from before. The same doctor whose presence was requested when Wei Lian bruised his knees and developed a high fever after being punished by the Qin Emperor for kneeling in the snow.
The Imperial Doctor’s surname was Wang. He had been on active duty as an Imperial Physician for three decades. A very highly respected and fine doctor with masterful skills.
He prescribed medicine for Wei Lian, and then gave a few careful instructions, covering all the details.
Wei Lian listened to the doctor attentively, and then nodded gently once at the end, “Thank you for your trouble, Imperial Physician. Chang Shou, please see the visitor out.”
Physician Wang examined the frail and elegant young man on the sickbed, and picked up his medical box, looking as if he had something to say, but then hesitated.
Wei Lian picked up the other’s body language and asked considerately, “Does the physician have something else to instruct?”
The physician answered cautiously, “Is it possible for Gongzi to dismiss the other servants and his attendants?”
The light in Wei Lian’s eyes turned dim, but he still listened and waved the others out of the chamber.
He also wanted to know what Physician Wang wanted to say.
In terms of medical skills, Wei Lian was somewhat of a highly-skilled one himself. He knew very well that he had no undiagnosed disease. So what did this old physician have to advise that especially required him to dismiss others?
Seeing that everyone had retreated, Physician Wang opened the medicine kit in a mysterious manner, took out a box and a few ointments.
“If Gongzi feels unwell, please use this ointment. It will greatly relieve the pain.” The physician advised.
Wei Lian didn’t understand. “But I am not physically injured.”
The bruises he got before were already healed by the yurong ointment.
He really didn’t know where else he needed to apply such ointment.
The other coughed softly and explained, “This ointment is for Gongzi’s secret place.”
Wei Lian was shocked.
Excuse me, what place???
He greatly questioned if he was hearing wrong or maybe understanding wrong as he calmly asked, “Could you repeat that?”
This time, Physician Wang repeated with a dignified expression, “There is no need for Gongzi to be shy. This ointment is for you to relieve your discomfort at that place.”
Wei Lian: “...”
He gave an odd look to this old physician who was in his fifties with greying hair around his temples.
After a long time, he choked out, “Did…did his Majesty order you to send this?”
Although they were acting to the fullest, wasn’t this crossing the line for the Qin Emperor?
Unexpectedly, the Imperial Physician shook his head and replied in earnest, “This old subject heard that his Majesty deeply dotes on you and graces you with favour every night. It is only natural when his Majesty is still in the prime of youth, being young and vigorous. This subject hopes Gongzi would not place any blame.”
Wei Lian’s face was covered in a thin layer of crimson, this time, it was not acting.
He could tease the Qin Emperor without changing his expression, but to be given consultation by an elder in deadly earnest…it was very strange.
“It’s this subject’s blessing to serve his Majesty, why would Wei Lian place blame?” Wei Lian maintained his light tone. “Why would Physician Wang say such a thing?”
“It is without question that his Majesty is a young man, but it may be assumed that he has no knowledge that the intimate relationship between two men is contrary to the yin and yang harmony between a man and a woman. It is not harmful once in a while, but doing it every day will cause great physical damage to the receiver.” Physician Wang was both serious and compassionate. “Gongzi served every night, yet this old subject has never seen his Majesty order nutritious medicine for Gongzi to rebalance his body. Gongzi, you must be enduring tremendous pain, correct?”
Wei Lian was silent.
Ji Yue never brought him such medicine because the two of them were clearly sparkling clean.
Physician Wang took his silence as his acquiescence and comforted, “Gongzi, you do not have to hold the truth in with this subject. This medical practitioner’s heart is kind and open, as such, this old subject cannot bear to watch Gongzi suffer anymore.”
The last time he treated Wei Lian, Physician Wang sympathised with him. He practised medicine his whole life and saved countless people, he was the embodiment of a kind-hearted man. Wei Lian was also the same age as his grandson, which increased the parental affection he had towards the young man.
At the thought of that comparison, his grandson was still carefreely studying in the education institution, while Wei Lian was living alone in a foreign land and suffered greatly. The compassion he had for the other was just about to overflow.
He had heard that his Majesty doted on Lian Gongzi these days, but he would always remember the bruised state the young man was in on that day from his Majesty’s punishment. Keeping the Emperor company was like living with a tiger. This favourable appearance might have looked bright on the surface, but it was hard to tell what kind of sadness was underneath.
As a man over his fiftieth year, he was upright but also slightly rigid regarding tradition. He had an extreme opinion on the relationship between two men and always lamented that public morals were degenerating with each passing day. In the eyes of others, Wei Lian gained boundless grace from his Majesty, but in Physician Wang’s eyes, Gongzi was being disgraced every day, making the old physician sigh consistently. Besides, if his Majesty really cherished Lian Gongzi, why be so careless with the young man’s body and not allow him to rest? Not letting the youth rest was one thing, but the lack of healthy herbal requests? Poor Lian Gongzi must be going through pain silently, it was such a tragic reality.
Unfortunately, as a minister, Physician Wang had no say on the Emperor’s behaviour.
The only thing he could do was to quietly provide Wei Lian with ointment to ease some suffering.
"..."
Wei Lian finally jumped in, “You misunderstood, I am not—” His body was really not hurting.
Physician Wang was shocked. “Are you saying his Majesty is the one in the lower position?”
This possibility sent chills down his spine, but it did not stop his thoughts from going on a rampage—although Lian Gongzi’s frail beauty made him less like someone in the top position, his Majesty possessed the same unworldly charm and beauty, dimmed only by the vicious reputation. It was hard to say who was above and who was below on the bed…
He murmured, “If his Majesty is the one in the lower position, it is normal to be embarrassed at getting the ointment. This subject will send the ointment to his Majesty at once…”
Wei Lian: “...”
You’re dead if you do!
In order to save Physician Wang’s life, Wei Lian made a heartless move to his dignity and simply admitted, “No need. I am the one in the lower position…just tell me how to use the ointment.”
Physician Wang was relieved. “Of course.”
“Apply this ointment once in the morning and once in the evening to reduce swelling and relieve pain.” Physician Wang continued on the topic, “Oh, and the thing in this box as well.”
Wei Lian stared at the box with a bad feeling.
He was now very afraid of anything given by the good physician.
He asked, “What is inside?”
Physician Wang said, “Jade pillarSahl: Ahem...yes, he is talking about a dildo. Image below for those who are curious... (this image isn't historically accurate, but is made from jade).
.”
Wei Lian: “?”
???
??????
The amount of question marks could not describe how shocked Wei Lian was inside currently.
Wei Lian, who had read the book on secret techniques, certainly knew that the thing was used for.
But why did the physician have so many strange things!
Wei Lian looked away at the object. “This…I should not need this thing.” Wasn’t the Qin Emperor enough?
Wait a moment, bah! What Qin Emperor? He needed neither of them!
Physician Wang explained sternly, “Gongzi must not underestimate proper preparation. Before his Majesty summons you to bed, put the object into your passage to help loosen it. Then you will not feel pain when his Majesty enters.”
Wei Lian was embarrassed to death, and the blush across his face spread almost to the back of his ears.
Why does an Imperial Physician need to know so many things! That’s fine if it’s in the name of gaining knowledge, but why bring it up to me!
“...I understand.” Wei Lian whispered, “Many thanks to Physician Wang for the…advice.”
“As long as Gongzi takes heart in this matter. Remember that the ointment is effective only when it is used twice a day as well as keeping the jade inside for an hour every night.” Physician Wang stressed again, before picking up his medicine kit. Leaving the box and the ointments.
Wei Lian stared blankly at them.
After a long internal struggle, he opened the box.
Inside was a smooth and glossy pillar carved from green jade. It was warm to the touch and delicately crafted.
In terms of texture and hardness, this was a high quality jade.
But as soon as he thought of the jade’s usage…his eyes twitched as he decided to bury this in the deepest part of his closet where it would not see the light of day.
Before he could proceed with his plan, he heard the sound of footsteps from just outside the chamber.
Alarmed, he quickly put the lid back on the box and hid it under the quilt, he followed suit as well and burrowed under the quilt.
Ji Yue was the visitor.
Looking very unhappy until he saw the young man with a face as pale as snow huddled in the quilt.
“Your Majesty…” Wei Lian got up and as he was about to exit the bed to properly greet the other, he was stopped by Ji Yue’s cold tone, “No need to salute when you’re ill.”
Wei Lian listened and stayed in bed.
“What’s the matter with the workers in Zhongling Palace? We spotted not one on our way here. Have they been neglecting you?” Ji Yue frowned.
“Your Majesty, please do not blame them. It was this subject that ordered them not to disturb me.” Wei Lian explained gently.
Ji Yue did not look as angry as before.
Only heaven knew how flustered he was when he heard the news of the youth summoning the Imperial Physician. After hurrying here, he saw the area cold and deserted. Not knowing where the palace staff went, an anger of unknown origin began to build up.
How could there be no one caring for the ill Wei Lian?
“We heard you summoned the Imperial Physician.” Ji Yue sat down by the bedside. “What illness did you catch?”
Wei Lian replied, “It’s just a common cold.”
There was a feeling of unease when Ji Yue remembered how he insisted the youth accompany him outside to cross into the new year last night, which exposed the other man to the cold.
If Wei Lian had gone back to the palace to bathe and sleep after their fun with the snow, he would not have suffered the common cold today.
The Emperor felt guilty but his innate arrogance doomed him from bowing down to anyone.
“Your body is too weak. To get sick from the fresh air and so soon in the new year, so useless.” Ji Yue regarded his health with extreme disdain. “Nothing happened to us.”
Wei Lian leaned against the headboard and admitted, “This subject’s fragile health has no chance to compete against your Majesty’s robust body.”
“What about fragile health?” Ji Yue felt an indescribable discomfort from hearing those two words. “You have to work towards a healthy body. Once the cold weather passes, you will go horse riding with us to train your body.”
Wei Lian uttered, “This subject does not know how to ride a horse.”
That was false. He possessed first-class riding and archery skills. He had even tamed the fiercest, pure white lion stallion獅子驄 A type of buckskin horse that got its name from its lion-like mane. Usually big, strong, and very violent. Not many can tame it.
Sahl's note: Buckskin is a coat colour, not a breed - Spirit (Disney cartoon) is a buckskin mustang. I've popped in an image of a horse with a 'pulled' mane, which looks lion-like while being white as specified in the chapter. (Just cause I love horses and I can 😉 )
.
But Wei Lian was very into his ‘useless person’ persona.
He did not want to do anything. His only desire was to eat, drink, and have fun. He did not want to seek frame or glory, just imagining the endless trouble from being famous was already giving him a headache.
Being a good-for-nothing was pretty great.
“We will teach you how to ride a horse.” Ji Yue shot a glance at him.
Wei Lian paused before he lamented bitterly, “Your Majesty, this subject’s cold was actually your fault.”
Ji Yue’s eyebrows jumped up. “What does this have to do with us?”
Wei Lian sighed, “If your Majesty had not smacked this subject with so much snow last night…”
Ji Yue was stunned by the youth’s shamelessness. “It was obviously you who made the first move last night.” This pot was not his to carry!
Wei Lian was quiet for a moment before adding, “Was it not you who took this subject to the Zhaixing Tower to join you on getting some fresh and cold air?”
This was the truth. Ji Yue had nothing to explain himself with.
“So?” Ji Yue squinted at him. “Thinking of settling accounts with us?”
“This subject would never dare.” Wei Lian raised his head and smiled like a cunning fox. “But this subject has a very small request, wondering if your Majesty can grant it.”
“What request?”
“Half a month later, this subject heard that the street of common folks will be very lively, and there will even be lantern displays and performances for the Lantern Festival.” As soon as he laid the request on the table, his eyes lit up and the words poured out in excitement, “This subject had never witnessed it before. Your Majesty, can you take this subject out of the palace to see how the commoners celebrate the Lantern Festival?”
When he gazed down from the summit within the imperial wall last night, what attracted him the most was not the majestic palace, but the bustling street view afar.
He wanted to have a look.
To see the place where people lived.
Ji Yue lowered his eyes and saw the brilliant lights contained in the youth’s eyes, as if the grand fireworks from last night entered those eyes.
He did not have the heart to refuse the request, actually, refusing never crossed his mind. “Properly nurse your health and once you are well, we will take you.”
Wei Lian was overjoyed and not stingy at all as he gave Ji Yue a hug. “Thank you, your Majesty!”
Ji Yue was held into a daze.
There was a faint blush on his face as well.
Then suddenly, he glanced to the side and a box that was exposed under the quilt captured his attention.
He squinted. “What is this?”
Wei Lian’s body stiffened.
He quickly blocked Ji Yue’s sight and said with a smile, “Nothing, you are seeing things.”
Ji Yue showed a provoked smile. “Wei Lian, are you treating us as if we are blind?”
Wei Lian met his eyes with embarrassment and uttered, “Your Majesty, this is really…nothing special that requires your attention.”
Ji Yue was unyielding. “Bring it.”
Wei Lain made no movement.
Ji Yue ran out of patience. He gently pushed Wei Lian away, pulled out the box and opened it—
Wei Lian turned his head away, he could not bear to look.
There was a moment of silence in the chamber.
The atmosphere turned awkward at once.
After a few seconds, Ji Yue closed the box without showing a trace of emotion on his face, also covering up the exquisite polished and strangely shaped object.
Wei Lian lowered his eyes and dared not face the Qin Emperor again.
After a long time, he heard a chuckle from the other man, with a hint of gnashing his teeth—
“So it turns out Wei Lang is this unsatisfied?”
Doc Wang, look what you did to our poor salted Wei Lian fish xDD
Thx for the ch ٩( >ヮ<)۶